September 12, 2018
#MadeForThis
Finalists for this year’s NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards have been announced. The awards recognise standards of excellence in dairy farming, with dairy co-operatives throughout the country invited to nominate their top suppliers. Nine finalists were each visited by judges over the last three months and the winner will be announced at the awards ceremony in Dublin on 3rd October. The judges for this year’s awards are Dr Jack Kennedy, Dairy Editor of the Irish Farmers Journal, Professor Pat Wall from UCD and, Dr David Gleeson from Teagasc. Chef and food writer Clodagh McKenna is once again Food Ambassador for the 2018 awards.
Zoe Kavanagh, CEO of the NDC said: “Our work in the NDC is really made possible because of the high quality of Irish milk and dairy produce available to consumers here, produced from top quality farms, off grassland. The standard as always was incredibly high this year showcasing the passion and dedication of Ireland’s top farming families.”
As part of the judging process, judges carried out detailed assessments based on submitted nomination forms and technical reports which spanned a full 12-month period. From this process, a short-list of finalists was compiled. The judges then arranged to visit each of the nine finalist farms for an inspection over the summer months.
Ciara O’Callaghan, Brand Director at Ornua added: “The Kerrygold brand is much-loved around the world, a success which is made possible by Irish dairy farmers. We are heartened again this year to see such high standards of practice in place and are proud to celebrate the work of these Irish farming families through Kerrygold, leveraging the unique advantage Irish dairy holds across markets globally.”
(Please note, the list below includes a link to the QMA website with more details on each farm)
2018 Quality Milk Awards Finalists
Tom, Mary & Michael Ryan Lisheen Lower Moyne, Thurles, Co. Tipperary
Nominated by Centenary Thurles
John O’Shaughnessy, Ballynolan, Kildimo, Co. Limerick
Nominated by Kerry Agribusiness
Liam and Dolores O’Donovan, Clohane, Skibbereen, Co. Cork
Nominated by Drinagh
Else Furney, Ballinagaragh, Kilbrittain, Bandon, Co. Cork
Nominated by Barryroe Co Op
Tim and Dan Crowley, Careys Cross, Clancoolbeg, Bandon, Co. Cork
Nominated by Bandon Co Op
Kevin Downing, Parkduv Farm Ltd, Farranastig, Whitechurch, Co. Cork
Nominated by Dairygold Co Op
John Patrick Keating & Family, Crobally, Old Parish, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford
Nominated by Glanbia Ireland
Darren McKenna, Derrygasson Farms Ltd, Derrygasson, Emyvale, Co. Monaghan
Nominated by Lacpatrick Dairies
John McTiernan, Mullaghavorneen, Co. Longford
Nominated by Aurivo
Learn more about this year’s winners at www.qualitymilkawards.ie #MadeForThis
“The nine shortlisted dairy farms were put through intensive scrutiny involving rigorous analysis of milk quality reports and technical data spanning a full 12-month period and included an inspection of their farms by the judges, which allowed us to get insights into the farm’s practices around areas such as milking routine, animal welfare and sustainability” said Professor Pat Wall. “All of the finalists clearly demonstrated excellent standards in food production. They are leaders in their industry and showcase the utmost standards in sustainability, hygiene, animal welfare and quality.”
In addition to identifying the top dairy farm, the national judges reserve the option to award specific category awards in sectors which stand out from year to year, such as care for the environment or animal care and welfare.
The winners will be announced at a special NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards Lunch on 3rd October 2018 in Dublin.